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Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour

TourTruth score 6.0 out of 10

Average

2,588 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score

  • Big Island of Hawaii
  • 1 hr 30 min
  • Updated November 2, 2026

Snorkel after dark off Kona with a small group, powerful lights, and a free return visit if no manta rays appear, subject to availability.

About this tour

As darkness settles over the Kona coast, powerful underwater lights draw plankton into the water, creating a chance to watch manta rays glide and feed nearby. This 90-minute Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour pairs a small group with an experienced crew for an intimate night on the water.

After a short boat ride of approximately three minutes to the manta site, slip into the water with a mask, snorkel, and flotation belt. Hold onto an illuminated manta board while the guide and lifeguard help keep the experience safe and clear. Water time is approximately 30 minutes. The group is capped at 17 guests, and the provider says its high-powered lights attract plankton to improve the chances of manta sightings. If no manta appears, the provider offers a free return visit, subject to availability and its full policy.

Basic swimming skills and previous snorkeling experience are required, and guests must climb a boat ladder independently. Book the Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour for a memorable after-dark encounter with one of Hawaii’s most captivating marine animals.

Highlights

  • Snorkel after dark as manta rays glide through the water
  • Hold onto a manta board illuminated by powerful dive lights
  • Reach the manta site after a short, approximately 3-minute boat ride
  • Return for free if no manta rays are seen, subject to availability and policy details

What's included

Included

  • Floatation life belt
  • USCG captain, water snorkel guide, and lifeguard
  • Dive lights and a manta board to hold onto
  • Mask and snorkel

Not included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Private tour

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

Important information

  • Basic swimming skills and previous snorkeling experience are required
  • Guests must climb a boat ladder independently
  • Guests must understand English for verbal instructions and safety briefings
  • Maximum weight: 275 pounds per guest
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  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended after recent surgery or for guests with mobility or physical restrictions
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, subject to the requirements above
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Water time is approximately 30 minutes
  • Meeting point details are provided in the ticket details or ticket PDF

Frequently asked questions

What if we don’t see a manta Ray?

You can come again for free if no manta ray is seen. The offer is subject to availability and the provider’s full policy.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 90 minutes, with approximately 30 minutes in the water.

How many guests can join?

The maximum group size is 17 guests.

What swimming experience is required?

Basic swimming skills and previous snorkeling experience are required.

What should I know about the boat?

Guests must be able to climb the boat ladder independently. The ride to the manta site takes approximately 3 minutes.

How this score is calculated

This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 4.68 from 2,588 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.

How the score works and rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 6.0.

Provider rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii

How many tours in Big Island of Hawaii have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • GetYourGuide
  • Viator

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